9 ways Netflix’s Forever rewrites Judy Blume’s story

It is undeniable that Netflix adaptation always brings out the best in any source material. This is also the case for the newest series, which just got released on Netflix. Forever is based on Judy Blume’s novel. This novel delicately navigates through the complexities of first love and the other issues that take place while growing up.

The novel brings forth an honest and relatable portrayal of Katherine and Michael’s journey. It has undoubtedly resonated with the readers on a deep level. Though this book was released decades ago, it still has its own significance even today.

However, the Netflix adaptation brings out a more relatable and contemporary aspect to the story. Netflix has reimagined this beloved story and given viewers a binge-worthy series. Though the essence of the series has remained intact, the adaptation has introduced newer perspectives and plotlines as well.

This has created a fascinating dialogue between the original text source and the contemporary adaptation. There are societal shifts along with evolving attitudes of the relationships that have been delved into in the series.

Netflix’s Forever presents an exciting opportunity to revisit a beloved story through a lens that caters to a larger audience. So, let’s dive right in.

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9 ways Netflix’s Forever rewrites Judy Blume’s story

1) More than one POV

If you have read the novel by Judy Blume, then you must have noticed that the story is told exclusively from Katherine’s point of view. This single pov uniquely depicted the whole story. However, this was not the case for the Netflix adaptation, Forever.

Netflix took the chance to add some uniqueness to it by bringing in multiple points of view. Though this might be different from the novel, this has benefited on a larger scale. Usually, any adaptation on the screen gets a bigger audience than the books, as not everyone is a reader.

Hence, this decision to add multiple points of view makes the series relatable to teenage boys as well. Especially when we consider Justin’s point of view in the series, a deeper introspection can be gained. It also adds a unique variation that caters to a wider group of viewers.

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2) Addition of technology

The novel from which Forever took inspiration is from the year 1975, hence, it is evident that there are going to be certain changes in the adaptation. If we consider the addition of technology in the series, it brings a fresh perspective and a greater sense of relatability, instead of the letters that we see in the novel.

The issues between Justin and Keisha are causing Keisha to block Justin. Justin takes the step to use the hashtag #UnblockJustin to get Keisha back. This adds a layer of intrigue to the series.

However, writing a letter never goes out of style; in the era of technology, using modern technology sounds more fitting and influential. This is one of the main differences between the novel and the Netflix series.

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3) Oral contraceptive

Another aspect of the difference between Judy Blume’s novel and Netflix’s Forever is the oral contraceptive moment. In the novel, there is a portion that depicts Katherine’s decision to take an oral contraceptive. She makes an appointment at Planned Parenthood for this.

However, this is not present in the Netflix series Forever. There is a scene with Justin and his father. In this scene, Justine’s father teaches him about the procedure to use a condom.

Though many of the readers of the novel have noted that the addition of the oral contraceptive would also be a great addition to the series, as it would have spread awareness for women as well.

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4) Keisha and Justin’s prom

Yet another stark difference between the novel and the series is the addition and the significance of prom. In the novel by Judy Bloom, we see the lead character, Katherine, ultimately decide not to go.

However, in the series, Justin and Keisha go to the prom. The prom scene in episode 8 is filled with extravaganza and dancing. It is more relatable to recent times. Keisha and Justin had a great time at prom. They dance and click photos at the photobooth.

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5) The portrayal of abortions

This is yet another difference between Judy Blume’s novel and the Netflix show. In the Judy Bloom novel, there is a moment when abortion is discussed. However, in the Netflix show Forever, there is no mention of abortion.

Netflix’s decision to take a different route while talking about these issues for a wider reach can be understood. This can be a sensitive issue for many, hence the decision to remove these moments from the show depicts Netflix’s decision to rewrite the story with a different touch to it.

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6) Justin’s cousin

Though Netflix might have taken a different route while portraying the storyline of Judy Blume’s novel, there are certain things that have been added to the story as well. On one hand, Netflix has removed some scenes, and on the other, added a completely different storyline to it.

It has given a unique touch to the show. This can be seen when we see Justin and Shannon. Shannon is Justin’s cousin. Hence, their relationship comes out as an out-of-the-box addition to the series.

Though there is a moment in the book that depicts that Michael does have a relationship with a woman before his relationship with Katherine, it has been completely changed in the Netflix adaptation.

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7) The topic of Cheating

In the novel by Judy Bloom, cheating plays a vital role in the ending of the relationship between Michael and Katherine. Even though Katherine and Michael were together, Katherine cheated on Michael with a boy named Theo.

However, Netflix rewrites the story and decides to change this perspective completely. Though in recent times, cheating has been a rising issue creating problems among many relationships, Netflix decided to give a distinct ending to Justin and Keisha’s story.

Unlike the book, Netflix decided to give Keisha and Justin an amicable ending. This is a crucial part in their story, as this adds a layer of expectation from the viewers as well. There is an expectation that Keisha and Justin might get together again.

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8) Sui*ide

One of the crucial distinctions that Netflix incorporated into the series is the removal of Artie’s character. In the novel by Judy Bloom, Artie is Michael’s best friend. Due to certain issues in his life, he attempts sui*ide.

However, Netflix takes a different route for this as well. The removal of such a sensitive topic has its own significance. Netflix’s decision to focus more on mental health issues has resonated with the viewers even more.

There are open conversations about mental health issues. This helps to impact the viewers positively.

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9) Class division

One of the significant aspect that Netflix’s Forever shed light on is the class division. Though Judy Blume’s book does have some information about Katherine and Michael’s economic situation, there is no deep dive into it. However, Netflix took this opportunity to bring out a deeper perspective of the class division in the series.

There is a proper delve into the lives of Keisha and Justin. Keisha’s life portrays a stark difference from Justine’s life. We see Keisha struggling to get by because of her economic situation.

On the other hand, Justine’s affluence depicts the difference between the two of them. This has also been delved deeper during the depiction of Justin’s inner thoughts.

After Keisha lost her scholarship, she was even scared to tell her mother about the reason for it. This class division in the Netflix adaptation brings forth a very realistic picture of the world. It becomes more realistic and relatable.

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